Press Release - January 10, 2001

Kinesis Corporation
Jon Biggs, Director of Sales & Marketing
(425) 402-8100
jbiggs@kinesis.com
www.kinesis.com

Bothell, Washington -- Kinesis Corporation announced the latest addition to its line of high-performance ergonomic computer keyboards: the Evolutionä fully adjustable keyboard family. Evolution keyboards consist of left and right modules connected only by a cable, so each module can be independently adjusted. User benefits include enhanced productivity and accuracy, reduction of tension on the hands, wrist and forearms and very little adaptation time.

A chair-mounted and desktop version will be offered, but the most exciting development is the new track-mounted version. This model attaches to a fully articulating arm, allowing for totally adjustable positioning. The track-mounted Evolution is the first keyboard combining full control over the height and attitude of left and right modules, offering a full range of movement in all three planes for each half-keyboard module. Also important is the ability to slide the keyboard completely under the desk for storage without changing the user's settings.

The Evolution family has its heritage in the Interfaces keyboard, originally developed by medical professionals and produced by Cramer, Inc, a Kansas City manufacturer of high quality seating and related items. Kinesis was recently granted exclusive rights by Cramer to manufacture and market the keyboard. Kinesis has enhanced the original design in several ways, creating the new track-mounted model and adding on-board programming features at no extra charge to the entire Evolution line.

"The results with the new track-mounted Evolution are astounding!" states Jon Biggs, Director of Marketing for Kinesis. The chair-mounted keyboard has been very popular, but isn't suitable for people who get up and down often. The track-mounted Evolution gives you the best of both worlds - all the flexibility and comfort of a chair-mounted keyboard but the added convenience of instant entry and exit. You never have to re-adjust the keyboard once you get it right. You can use the chair you already have and love and there is no need to purchase a separate adjustable keyboard arm and tray."

Biggs further points out, "In speaking with ergonomists and other safety and health professionals we found that there is a need for a keyboard that offers virtually an infinite amount of adjustability and high performance features like mechanical switches, integrated pointing device and the ability to totally customize the key layout or reduce keystrokes through keyboard macros."

Features of this PC-compatible (PS/2) keyboard include:
· Programmable (on-board) - unlimited key remapping with no software required
· Independent lateral tilt of each module between 0-90 degrees
· Negative tilt - unlimited range
· Separation of the left and right keyboard modules - 8" to 17.5"
· Adjustable height - from desk height to minus six inches
· Storage under desk when not in use, usually without having to change keyboard adjustments
· Integrated touchpad for either right or left hand users (or both!)
· Tactile mechanical key switches

Dr. William Hargreaves, Ph.D., President and CEO of Kinesis, notes "All Kinesis keyboard models are designed to encourage a relaxed, ergonomically correct posture for the arms and body. This design principle maximizes comfort, increases productivity and reduces fatigue for the user. Many of our products are programmable so users can easily customize them. The Evolution keyboard family enhances our ability to offer a range of input devices so that every professional computer user can find something that fits his or her individual needs."

Hargreaves further states, "You can expect the same product quality with the Evolution that is found in all of our other products. We have updated the design and production procedures to maximize performance, features and reliability. We pride ourselves on our customer service and technical support and have recently added to our staff to accommodate a number of recently-added products."

All Evolution models are currently available in black. Compatible with virtually all personal computers, the keyboard connects to the PS/2 keyboard port while the integrated touchpad from Cirque can connect to either the PS/2 mouse port or to a serial port. Kinesis sells a PS/2 to USB adapter, creating Macintosh compatibility. At this time the track-mounted version is available bundled with the latest low-profile Waterloo adjustable arms in both 17" and 22" track lengths. This keyboard is also available without an arm if the customer already has a Waterloo arm. The Evolution will be sold through Kinesis' and Cramer's existing reseller base or may be purchased directly from Kinesis.

About Kinesis Corporation Kinesis Corporation, founded in 1991, is a privately held company headquartered in Bothell, Washington. Kinesis offers a wide range of ergonomically designed computer keyboards and input devices intended for professional computers users seeking to maximize both productivity and comfort. Many of Kinesis' products have been used successfully by computer workers who were injured using non-ergonomic computer input devices. Kinesis' patented contoured keyboard family is recognized for its remarkably effective ergonomic features and has been nationally acclaimed with several design and usability awards. For more information about Kinesis Corporation and its products, please call 800-454-6374 (425-402-8100) or send e-mail to sales@kinesis.com.

Back to Press Releases